National Extended Diploma Sport Science Level 3

Key Facts

This is the largest qualification in the suite of BTEC Nationals in Sport and Exercise Science and is equivalent in size to three A Levels. This qualification is primarily designed to support progression to employment after further study at university. However, it also supports learners who may choose to progress directly to employment, as the transferable knowledge, understanding and skills will give learners an advantage in applying for entry level roles or ‘school leaver’ industry training programmes and Higher Apprenticeships in areas such as sport and fitness training, coaching, and sports performance research. In addition to the sector-specific content, the requirements of the qualification will mean that learners develop the transferable and higher order skills which are valued by higher education providers and employers. For example, the study of applied research methods and the research project require learners to carry out individual research and to give evidence in a sport science context, evaluating and justifying their findings. Units studied will include: Functional Anatomy; Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology; Field and Laboratory-based Fitness Testing; Applied Research Methods in Sport and Exercise Science; Coaching for Performance and Fitness; Specialised Fitness Training; Sports Massage; Sport and Exercise Physiology; Biomechanics in Sport and Exercise; Research Project in Sport and Exercise Science; Nutrition for Sport and Exercise Performance; Technology in Sport and Exercise Science; Sport Injury and Assessment. Students will be required to conduct work experience on this programme where a DBS check may be required. This programme may be studied alongside a Specialist Sport Academy option of: Football Academy; Netball Academy; or Rackets Academy (Squash; Badminton; Tennis; Table Tennis).

You will need 5 GCSEs Grade A* to C or equivalent (including a Grade 5 or above in English Language and Maths; and a Grade C or above in Science). You will be required to attend an interview and provide a reference (from an employer or recent school/college report) along with evidence of specific and sustained interest and motivation in sport; and an ability to cope with a programme of physical activity.

Assessment is through a combination of internally-set and externally-set coursework, online assessment and practical assessment.